BP Enclosure Checklist

[AmericanTacos]

Now that I'm 18, I'm finally allowed to get a Ball Python (after asking nonstop for around 16 years xD). However, I need a bit of help with the enclosure checklist. I'm going to link EVERYTHING I plan on getting, to make sure I not only don't need anything else, but also that I'm not getting anything I don't need.

First, the enclosure. I'm having a bit of trouble with this. I want to go either glass or wood - I'm not a huge fan of plastic. Unfortunately, I have no clue where to start with this.
Can anyone give a suggestion to a favorite glass/wooden cage?

These are the things I plan on getting in terms of in-tank supplies:
UTH: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...FAGG1QXE&psc=1
Thermometer/Humidity Gauge: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...K4NUNEG1&psc=1
Coconut Substrate: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...KIKX0DER&psc=1
Climbing Branch: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...m?pcatid=25075
Hide (x2):http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...9&pcatid=36189
Fake Plants (x2-3): http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...fm?pcatid=9754
Water Dish: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...60&pcatid=9760

**LIGHTING**
Here's another problem... I'm seeing very mixed information on proper lighting. Are these two lights the only ones you need?
Strip Light: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...fm?pcatid=6164
Dome Light: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...7&pcatid=15467
Or alternatively can you only use this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...6YIW6LGE&psc=1


Is there anything missing, incorrect, or unnecessary? Thanks!

[jmcrook]

Most important thing you need is a thermostat to regulate your UTH. Give this a good read over
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...ius)-Caresheet
I personally have found nothing but advantages in using pvc cages but glass or others can work. It just takes more effort to maintain humidity and ambient temps.


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[Nathanhimmerich]

(This is all my opinion)

Lighting is not a big aspect of ball python husbandry. They are nocturnal and sleep in a termite mound typically by day. Because of this, light is actually uncomfortable for them, leaves them feeling exposed. Not that having ambient light during the day is bad, but getting a light dedicated to your snakes would be unnecessary and arguably annoying to the snakes.

If you intend to get a thermostat to regulate your hot side, and you should, consider still getting a thermometer for your cold side also. Ambient temp should be monitored, but in most homes does not need a secondary heat source and thermostat.

I only mention this because you asked what would be unnecessary in your list...the plants and climbing branch are ok for enrichment but ball pythons tend to A-OK even in a relatively shallow tub and with no such enrichment. It's a nice thought but arguably unnecessary.

[SDA]

Light for heat is completely unwanted because you would be keeping heat on 24/7 and that would mean light on 24/7 including red light which is not good for developing a cycle for the snake.

Lighting on a 12 on 12 off or more realistically 8 on 14 off is actually a nice enrichment for the snake and they will display behavioral habits that start to tie in with the light cycle. It has greatly improved my ball python and is by far one of the best enrichment items I have added. You do not need lighting if you have ambient light in the room that simulates a day /night cycle but no light whatsoever isn't exactly the best for them.


As other's have said, a thermostat is absolutely a must. Every heat source needs one. If you room gets colder than their minimum ambient heat requirements you will need some sort of supplemental heating to get that ambient to the desired temps. Either a CHE or a room heater in cooler times ofhte year.

[MD_Pythons]

I didn't see this mentioned here so I'll go ahead and add, those analogue thermometers/hydrometers aren't the best. bps can rip them off and get the adhesive stuck to their skin and they aren't the most accurate.I'd get something like this. I'd also look into a heat gun, that will definitely come in handy. I use this. And where are you planning to get your bp from?

[AmericanTacos]

General:
Thanks guys! The only problem is, I can't have the lights on in my room 12 hours a day... I only have 2 windows that I could keep the blinds up and one lamp that I could put near the enclosure. Would that be enough? My room gets pretty dark with no lights.

And where are you planning to get your bp from?

I'm planning on buying from Morph Market. I'm very picky about morphs and while normals are still pretty, I'm looking for a Butter. Unfortunately, I don't live in an area with local breeders and I don't trust pet stores due to how they care (or more accurately don't care) for their animals.

[ckuhn003]

I personally have found nothing but advantages in using pvc cages but glass or others can work. It just takes more effort to maintain humidity and ambient temps.
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I can't speak on glass or wood cages but I'm so glad I went w/ pvc as my 1st cage. It does a great job on humidity and keeping in the heat. I would highly recommend if you can swing it.

[MD_Pythons]

Be careful with Morph Market. It's just a place for people to put their reptiles up for sale, not every seller there is good. I'd reccomend avoiding Underground and BHB. Make sure to research everyone you plan to buy from, the BOI is good for this.

[AmericanTacos]

Are there any opinions on the Exo Terra terrariums? Unfortunately I can't go plastic or PVC since there's a required amount of "aesthetic" the enclosure has to have to be in the house, and I've really been considering it. I don't mind the expense too much, I've been saving up for this since I learned about the concept of money basically xD
I'm thinking of going with a 36x18x18, and planning on getting a subadult. Of course I'm not gonna have too much open space on the floor or anything like that either.
Any downsides to keeping up humidity or temp in one of those?

[SDA]

Snake welfare trumps aesthetics every time. While glass terrariums can work and especially if you are in an area that is humid and warm most of the year but as far as overall beneficial environments for a ball pythons, you can't get much better than PVC.

As far as heat and humidity, in colder climates it can be a pain, especially in winter in glass enclosures.

Not sure what has been discussed but as far as aesthetics, PVC enclosures look fantastic, especially lit by LED


For example